Green Dentistry

This is green dentistry, but this is not what we mean by 'green!'

Ever wonder what is the most popular color in 2012?  Well, I have not seen a recent a study, but I am going to make an educated guess that it is 'green.'  It seems like everything has gone green. Restaurants, ball parks, household cleaners, roofs, schools, and the list goes on, have gone green.  To be "green" is not just a trend but a responsibility. The term green really applies to earth friendly actions and products.  The 'green' movement has caught up to every industry including dentistry.  Green dentistry: 

• Focuses on Healthy Dentistry (holistic, alternative treatment options)
• SAFE Removal of Mercury Silver Fillings
• Non-Toxic Composite Resin Filling Replacements
• Bio compatible Implant Technology
• Non-Surgical Gum Disease Treatments
• Supports a Wellness lifestyle
• Reduces waste and pollution in the dental office
• Saves water, energy and money 
• Is high tech - Many of the latest innovations aren't just good for patients, but the planet too!  

While I could write an entire blog on going green in a dental office I am going to focus this on a wellness lifestyle as it applies to dentistry.  In particular, biocompatible dentistry, also known as alternative dentistry, holistic dentistry, or integrative dentistry.  Biocompatible dentistry is concerned with the patient's dental health as it relates to their entire physical, emotional and even spiritual health in some cases.  This type of dentistry promotes health and wellness instead of the treatment of disease. 

Typically, dentists who practice biocompatible dentistry: 

• share a common opposition to amalgam (silver) fillings, because of potential toxic metals in the fillings. 
• promote nonsurgical approaches to gum disease
• promotes proper nutrition for prevention and reversal of degenerative dental disease
• Avoids and eliminates any potential toxins from dental materials
• Treat dental malocclusion (a bite where the upper and lower teeth don't meet properly) Treating malocclusion is a way to promote better overall dental health.  Proper occlusion increases access to tooth surfaces thus improving oral hygiene and also minimizes unnecessary wear on teeth.  Much like tires on a car that are in proper alignment don't wear as quickly. 

In a nut shell, biocompatible dentistry is concerned mostly with the prevention of dental disease rather than the treatment of dental disease. It takes a more holistic approach to dentistry than traditional dentistry by treating the whole person and not just the mouth.